Héctor Fort faces Barcelona departure

Barcelona defender Héctor Fort is reportedly preparing to leave the club this summer after returning from a loan spell at Elche.

The 20-year-old made 17 appearances for Elche and contributed five goals and assists despite being limited by injuries. However, that form has apparently not altered Hansi Flick’s view that Fort is not yet ready to play a significant role at Camp Nou this season.

According to a report cited from Diario Sport, Fort now assumes that his time at Barcelona is coming to an end, with pre-season having done little to change the club’s approach to the homegrown player.

“Héctor Fort now assumes his departure from FC Barcelona. The preseason has not changed Hansi Flick’s approach with the homegrown player.”

Fort’s versatility has nevertheless attracted attention across Europe. Inter Milan, Liverpool, Everton and Fulham are all understood to be following his situation, while Everton could be best placed to make the most appealing proposal.

Any move would bring an end, at least for now, to Fort’s effort to establish himself in Barcelona’s first team after his productive but injury-interrupted spell away from the club.